National Desk

The Netherlands’ Deputy Foreign Minister André Haspels said his country supports Iran’s nuclear deal and is following up the implementation of a special mechanism introduced by the European Union to facilitate banking relations between Tehran and the bloc.

Haspels made the remarks during a new round of political talks between Tehran and Amsterdam, which was held in Tehran on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry’s official website reported.

The EU has designed the mechanism, called Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), to circumvent the newly reimposed US sanctions on Iran and continue trade with Tehran.

The SPV, which could incorporate a barter system, aims to sidestep the US financial system by using an EU intermediary to handle trade with Iran.

The Netherlands, as a member of the EU and the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, supports the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, Haspels said.

During the talks, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed Amsterdam’s support for preserving the nuclear deal as well as its opposition to US unilateralism.

Both officials also discussed developments in the region and the Islamic Republic’s regional role.

Unlike some regional countries which have caused problems and tensions in the region by adopting wrong policies, Iran’s policy is aimed at preserving stability and improving security, Araqchi said, adding that for this reason, Iran has been fighting the Daesh terrorist group as the most important factor in the region’s instability.

The Dutch official condemned a recent terrorist attack at a military parade in Iran’s southwestern city of Ahvaz in September, which killed 25 people. He also praised Iran’s important role in fighting the Daesh terrorist group.